F/VoH Ch 139: Signing the Contract

Ryan's voice was calm, but it sounded cold and piercing. Amanda held her breath. Ryan continued, "In addition, make sure that those with important tasks in the team also sign the contract. This way, information leaks will be almost impossible. Even if they are captured by the enemy, they won't be able to speak and harm you."

Amanda fell silent. She knew there were methods like this, but she always felt reluctant to use them. The Magical Contract was a cruel and merciless tool. It was not just a protective measure, but a symbol that trust was a luxury that could not be given lightly.

"I... I understand..." Amanda finally said, her voice almost a whisper. There was a heavy feeling hanging in Amanda's chest, but she knew this was a step that had to be taken.

Ryan nodded slightly. "Good." He then turned to Arash. "Arash will accompany you and keep you safe at all times. If there is an attack aimed at you, Arash will ensure you remain safe. Right, Arash?"

"Of course, Master!" Arash replied with a confident smile. "Just leave it to me. You don't need to worry."

Ryan seemed satisfied with that answer. "Good."

Ryan then turned to Cheonghee, who had been quietly listening. "Cheonghee, you also have an important task. In the Red District, don't be too conspicuous. If anyone finds out that you are gathering information about the Royal Army or the nobles, make an excuse as if it were a mission given by one of the nobles. Let them believe that you are just a tool for competition among them."

Ryan paused for a moment, looking at Cheonghee with a calm yet firm gaze. "This way, we can provoke conflict among the nobles, making them undermine each other without realizing our role behind the scenes. Don't let your presence be too noticeable, but make sure you continue to gather everything we need."

"I understand, don't worry. I know what to do," Cheonghee said, her tone calm, with a firm nod of her head.

Ryan gave a small nod, his expression remaining flat as usual. "Alright. Then you can go now, Amanda."

Amanda looked at Ryan for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Okay. Then I'll take my leave. See you again, Miss Cheonghee, Mr. Ryan." Amanda's voice sounded firm, but there was a slight soft tone, perhaps due to her growing trust in them.

Amanda quickly stepped away, followed closely by Arash who kept a close distance behind her. They disappeared into the shadows of the trees, leaving Ryan and Cheonghee alone in the silence of the forest.

Ryan turned around, saying nothing, and began walking toward the exit of the forest. Ryan's steps were steady, not too fast but purposeful.

"Hey! Don't just leave me like that!" Cheonghee shouted, running a little to catch up with Ryan.

As she approached Ryan, Cheonghee tried to match her pace. "So, what are your plans now?" Cheonghee asked, her eyes looking at Ryan with curiosity.

Ryan continued walking without looking back. "I will be leaving this city in a few days. I plan to go to the capital of the Kingdom. There, gathering information will be much easier." Ryan's voice sounded cold, as usual, but there was clarity in every word he spoke.

Cheonghee nodded slowly, then smiled slightly with a teasing tone. "In that case, I will contact you often. Don't forget to answer the phone, okay?"

Ryan just let out a small sigh, unfazed by the joke. "Whatever. I will return to the inn now. You, on your own, back to the Red District?"

"Yes, I will head straight back to the Red District." Cheonghee affirmed in a casual tone, but she paid close attention to every word Ryan said.

Ryan paused for a moment, glancing slightly at Cheonghee. "Then, be careful out there."

Those simple words were enough to leave Cheonghee stunned.